It is important to understand that most tooth loss is because of gum disease, not decay. It can go unnoticed right up to the point of losing your teeth. If you have the symptoms of bleeding gums when brushing or flossing, or you have loose teeth, you need to come into our office immediately. The longer you wait and the more advanced the gum infection becomes, the only option may be surgery to save your teeth. It is possible to heal the infection with nonsurgical methods if the infection has not been prolonged.
Gum Disease Can Contribute to Heart Disease and
Even Stroke
Periodontal disease is the bacterial infection of the gums. The bacteria travel throughout the bloodstream with the potential to infect any and all organs. Recent medical research has determined a link between gum disease and stroke, heart disease, and diabetes. As these conditions can be fatal, dentists are now regarding gum disease as a matter more serious than just losing your teeth. Statistics provided by the American Dental Association indicate that 8 out of 10 Americans have some stage of periodontal infection. This staggering percentage is considered to be an epidemic level.
The
American Academy of Periodontology reports, “studies found
periodontal infection may contribute to the development of heart
disease, increase the risk of premature, underweight births, and
pose a serious threat to people whose health is already
compromised due to diabetes and respiratory diseases.” Nonsurgical methods and improved hygiene can treat the infection if it is still in the milder stages. Once it has become advanced, the treatment is surgical. Both procedures are usually covered by the majority of dental insurance plans.
What’s So Bad about Losing
a Tooth?Gum disease is the most frequent reason for tooth loss. Losing even one tooth will cause other teeth to eventually shift, which is not good. Missing teeth can affect your ability to chew your food properly, so you will not absorb nutrients as you should. You may start to favor softer foods with a higher calorie content, which results in weight gain. It can affect your appearance and give your face an older, sunken look, and your speech may not always be understandable.
The best solution to this problem is replacing the missing teeth with implants. They are natural looking and function just like a regular tooth, and will fill the gaps for any number of missing teeth.
Dentists Romeoville IL
Dental Office
Romeoville Dental Center
620 Town Hall Drive Romeoville IL 60446
Tel: (815) 886-0875
Dental Office
Romeoville Dental Center
620 Town Hall Drive Romeoville IL 60446
Tel: (815) 886-0875
